LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick has issued a statement in response to the recent swine flu outbreak, offering words of pastoral encouragement and pointing to LCMS resources aimed at helping churches navigate the crisis and keep members healthy. Kieschnick’s entire…

Ten years ago, helping pastors, teachers, and their spouses learn biblically based strategies to cope with ministry challenges and strengthen physical, emotional, and spiritual health was the focus of Grace Place Lutheran Retreats. Today, the LCMS Recognized Service Organization continues…

Dr. Emil G. Jaech, who served as president of the Synod’s Northwest District from 1970 until his retirement in 1982, died April 25 at his home in Dallas, Ore.  He was 95. A memorial service was held May 2 at Peace Lutheran…

Rev. Barrie Henke of Edmond, Okla., and Rev. Myles Schultz, Okmulgee, Okla., were elected president and first vice president of the Oklahoma District during its April 24-25 convention in Norman. Henke succeeds Rev. Paul Hartman of Oklahoma City, who retired…

To raise awareness about homelessness in the United States, some 50 Concordia University Chicago students built “homes” out of cardboard boxes and spent the night inside them on the school’s campus in River Forest, Ill. The March 20-21 event was…

By Sarah Schafer North Dakota and Minnesota residents are no strangers to spring flooding, but record-high waters this year due to snow melt and rainfall are beginning to wear on LCMS pastors and members — particularly in small towns and rural…

By Joe Isenhower Jr.  The senior pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Schaumburg, Ill., says that strong faith and fellow members are providing hope and support for the Engelhardt family of nearby Hoffman Estates after three of that family’s members…

The 2009 Summer Catalog of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is available on the seminary’s Web site and may be downloaded for viewing and printing in PDF format. The 19-page catalog contains descriptions of all courses being offered on the campus…

God’s Light in Gotham’s Darkness is a new, downloadable Bible study from Concordia Publishing House that’s based on the popular Batman film, “The Dark Knight.”® The six-session study connects and contrasts main themes from the movie with Scripture and Lutheran…

Ralston H. Deffenbaugh Jr., president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) since 1991, will resign from his post Sept. 1.  According to an LIRS news release, Deffenbaugh, 57, said the “organization needs new gifts of leadership.” “As LIRS president…

Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, who has been serving as interim executive director of the Synod’s Board for Mission Services since November, has accepted a call from the board to continue his service as executive director. The action of the board,…

No one was injured, but two LCMS churches suffered major fire damages in the weeks before Easter. Investigators say the early-morning fire April 4 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton, S.D., was set deliberately, but church officials have no…

May is designated “Pastoral Education Month,” when congregations can emphasize the pastoral ministry in a variety of ways — from recruiting seminary students, to retaining current pastors, or encouraging continuing education. In an e-mail “blast” to congregations and ordained and commissioned…

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League has exceeded its 2007-09 mission goal of $1.7 million by $75,730.17, according to President Janice Wendorf. “In the midst of these uncertain times, God’s people have responded and supported the mission goal of the LWML…

Wheat Ridge Ministries of Itasca, Ill., is awarding grants totaling $46,000 to support sabbatical experiences for professional church workers from nine congregations, including four from The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. According to Wheat Ridge, “sabbatical leave for rest and renewal is…

Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, is hosting two training conferences for parish nurses, congregational health workers, pastors, and others interested in congregational health. The 17th annual “Concordia Conference for Parish Nurse and Congregational Health Ministries” will be held May 28-29 under…